Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 5: How We Know God
Release Date: January 5, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Produced by: Ascension

Introduction

In the fifth episode of "The Catechism in a Year," Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound question of how we come to know God. Building upon the foundational discussions from previous days, this episode explores the interplay between human reason and divine revelation, highlighting both the capabilities and limitations inherent in our understanding of the divine.

Main Themes and Key Points

1. Knowledge of God Through Human Reason

   • Natural Revelation: Fr. Mike emphasizes that humans possess an innate ability to recognize God's existence and attributes through the natural light of reason. This aligns with the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, which states that God can be known "with certainty from the created world by the natural light of human reason."
   • Scriptural Foundation: Citing St. Paul's Letter to the Romans (Chapter 1), the episode underscores that even those unaware of divine revelation can perceive God's existence through the observation of the world.

2. Obstacles to Understanding God

   • Limitations of Human Reason: While humans are made in God's image, our capacity to fully grasp divine truths is hindered by several factors:
     • Sensory and Imaginative Impacts: Our senses and imagination can distort our perception, leading us to doubt or misinterpret the truth.
     • Disordered Appetites: Rooted in original sin, our desires often lead us to reject or distort truths that require self-surrender and humility.
   • Quote Highlight: Fr. Mike references Pope Pius XII's "Humani Generis," where it is stated, “there are many obstacles which prevent reason from the effective and fruitful use of this inborn faculty” (04:30).

3. The Church’s Perspective on Speaking About God

   • Limited Language: The Catechism acknowledges that human language is inherently limited when describing the infinite nature of God. Words used are often analogies that capture aspects of God's nature but cannot fully encapsulate His essence.
   • Purifying Language: Emphasizing the need to “continually purify our language,” Fr. Mike explains that while we use human terms to describe God, these descriptions fall short, always pointing to a reality beyond our comprehension.
   • Similitude and Dissimilarity: Citing the Lateran Council IV, he notes that while there are similarities between God and His creation, the dissimilarities are far greater, preventing any complete likeness through human language (17:45).

4. Engagement with Non-Believers and Other Faiths

   • Dialogue and Understanding: Recognizing the Church’s confidence in engaging with other religions, philosophies, and atheists, the episode highlights the importance of respectful dialogue grounded in the shared recognition of God’s existence through reason.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Fr. Mike Schmitz on God's Nature:

  "God is the inexpressible, the incomprehensible, the invisible, the ungraspable. He is a mystery—the mystery of mysteries."
  00:55

• Pope Pius XII on Human Reason:

  “Human reason is, strictly speaking, truly capable by its own natural power and light of attaining a true and certain knowledge of the one personal God...”
  06:15

• Fr. Mike Schmitz on Language and God:

  “Our language about Him using human modes of expression... it really does attain to God Himself, though unable to express Him in His infinite simplicity.”
  22:30

• Discussion on Analogies:

  “While analogies point out similarities, there are always more dissimilarities than there are similarities.”
  24:50

Insights and Reflections

Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly navigates the complex relationship between human reason and divine mystery. By acknowledging our intrinsic ability to perceive God while simultaneously recognizing our cognitive limitations, he presents a balanced view that encourages both faith and intellectual engagement. The discussion underscores the Catholic understanding that while reason is a powerful tool for knowing God, it is divinely supplemented by revelation to overcome inherent human shortcomings.

The episode also highlights the importance of humility in theological discourse. By admitting that our language and concepts are insufficient to fully describe God, Fr. Mike fosters a sense of reverence and wonder, inviting listeners to embrace the mystery of faith without the need for exhaustive explanation.

Furthermore, the emphasis on dialogue with non-believers and other faith traditions reflects the Church’s commitment to universal truths accessible through reason, promoting mutual respect and understanding in a pluralistic world.

Concluding Thoughts

In "Day 5: How We Know God," Fr. Mike Schmitz provides a thoughtful exploration of epistemology within the Catholic tradition. By intertwining theological insights with philosophical reflections, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of how faith and reason coexist in the pursuit of knowing God. As Fr. Mike prepares listeners for upcoming discussions, he encourages perseverance and prayer, fostering a supportive community journeying through the Catechism together.

Join Fr. Mike Schmitz tomorrow for a recap of Chapter One, where he will distill the week's teachings into key bullet points, ensuring a clear and concise understanding as you continue your journey through the Catechism.

Please note: The timestamps referenced (MM:SS) correspond to approximate points within the provided transcript and serve as illustrative placeholders.